6 Miles

393 feet

Easy

A+++ Views

Granite Mountain Loop Hike Overview

The Granite Mountain Loop hike has mountain views for days! This easy hike will spoil you with views of the Tonto National Forest, the Superstitions, and the McDowell Mountains. Plus you will get in some quality outdoor time and feel great afterward. 

Map & Elevation Profile

Total distance: 6.08 mi
Max elevation: 2933 ft
Min elevation: 2540 ft
Total time: 01:51:00

Map for the Granite Mountain Loop Hike

Get this map! This is a superb map of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Everything you need to know trail wise.

mcdowell mountains green trails map get outdoors get happy

McDowell Mountains Greentrails map

You definitely won’t regret having this map for your McDowell Sonoran Preserve hikes (affiliate link)!

Parking

Put “Granite Mountain trailhead” into Google Maps and you will be taken to a huge parking lot right under some massive powerlines.

Granite Mountain Loop Hike Trail Notes

The hike takes you around the very scenic Granite Mountain. One of the best things about this hike is the saguaros. There are so many very old and HUGE saguaros in this area. If you like looking at interesting saguaros, definitely go to this area. An added bonus is the boulder piles. Granite Mountain is full of boulders and so is the surrounding area, making it fun to hike around. 

The views in this area get an extra star compared to Brown’s Mountain area just down the road. Keep in mind that I LOVE Brown’s Mountain, so I don’t say this without meaning it. The reason being is that the powerlines are less obtrusive in this area.

There are fewer people in this area making it score high on solitude. This hike is fantastic. Get out here for yourself! It will make you feel great! Check out this trail description for more details

So, should you do the Granite Mountain Loop hike?

Yes, without a doubt. All the mountain views will make your brain get a much-needed break from being in front of a computer all the time.

Other hikes close by

There are a lot of choices around here. Close by on N 128th street is worth checking out. If you want to start from the Fraesfield Trailhead check out the Whiskey Bottle Trail hike. Brown’s Mountain trailhead has great options. Plus you get to look at Brown’s Mountain which is a very scenic mountain.

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